NHS Counselling advice

[DoTheNextRightThing]

I had CBT talking therapy on the NHS in 2016. At the time, they said I was only allowed to have 4 sessions at 2 hours each. These were once a fortnight so it was two months in total, but only 8 hours of therapy. However, I saw on the NHS website:

"You may be offered a single session of counselling, a short course of sessions over a few weeks or months, or a longer course that lasts for several months or years."

What I'm wondering really is if I've "used up" my quota of NHS counselling or would I be able to get more? I'm really struggling right now - and since I've graduated university I can't access my free university counselling service either. I don't know where else to turn if the NHS can't help me.

Hoping someone may know more than me.

Honestly. The waiting list is long. Years long in some areas. I've been waiting 19 months and am now resorting to paying for private counselling.

You should be able to access more if you need it. Try searching for "IAPT [where you live]" to see if you could refer yourself. Previously accessing therapy shouldn't automatically stop you from accessing services again but your circumstances would need to be discussed in detail with the services in your area.

But as the PP said waiting lists can be long, this varies depending on the treatment you're waiting for and there's definitely a postcode lottery which will influence how easy it is to get help.

I hope you can get the support you need.

Thanks both.

@nothingcanhurtmewithmyeyesshut that's terrible! I was only waiting 3 months last time.

@AlexaC thank you I'll look into that. I'm in Scotland, so not sure what our NHS provides and the websites are quite England focused. But I'll do some research

It varies widely between health boards in Scotland. I waited 22 months for an appointment with a clinical psychologist but I know they do different groups with a shorter waiting list.

It is worth looking up low cost or free counselling agencies in your area.

I had counselling in 2016 and just been referred to have it again (no idea how long the wait will be)